Drivers of independent migration among adolescents from selected West African countries

Independent migration among adolescents is an issue of public concern in West Africa. Thus, drawing on the neoclassical economics, new economics of labour and social networks perspectives, this study explored the reasons for independent migration among adolescents. Employing a qualitative research design, 41 adolescents participated in the study. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted to gather data, which were analyzed thematically. The findings of the study indicated that the adolescents migrated due to diverse reasons (poverty and hardship; social support and networks; peer-pressure and escapade; and maltreatment and abuse). Also, it was found that generally, poverty and hardships drove adolescents to migrate from their countries of origin with the aim of finding and starting work in Ghana, which was perceived as an important source of economic opportunities. Furthermore, evidence showed that while some adolescents had positive experiences in Ghana, others were confronted with challenges, a push factor to their return and integration decisions respectively. Based on the findings of the study, conclusions were drawn.